The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, was billed as the “COP of Implementation.” More than thirty years after the Rio Earth Summit, the stakes could not have been higher. Delegates gathered in the heart of the Amazon to turn pledges into progress, with a focus on climate finance, adaptation and the energy transition. Delegates gathered in the heart of the Amazon to turn pledges into progress, with a focus on climate finance, adaptation and the energy transition.
COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago acknowledged the challenge of meeting expectations, telling delegates, “We know some of you had greater ambition for some of the issues at hand. I will try not to disappoint you.”
Over two weeks, negotiations revealed both ambition and division. Brazil pushed for a roadmap to phase out oil, gas and coal, a proposal backed by more than 80 nations, but strong resistance from major producers meant the final agreement sidestepped any binding commitment on fossil fuels. Brazil pushed for a roadmap to phase out oil, gas and coal, a proposal backed by more than 80 nations, but strong resistance from major producers meant the final agreement sidestepped any binding commitment on fossil fuels.
The final “Belém political package” delivered progress on finance and implementation but fell short on energy transition. Governments agreed to triple adaptation finance by 2035 and strengthen emissions-cutting plans,
while launching a new process to accelerate climate action.
Efforts to secure a roadmap for phasing out oil, gas and coal were blocked by major producers, including Saudi Arabia and Russia. Efforts to secure a roadmap
for phasing out oil, gas and coal were blocked by major producers, including Saudi Arabia and Russia. Instead, Brazil announced voluntary initiatives outside
the UN climate regime to develop roadmaps for fossil fuel transition and deforestation, supported by countries such as Colombia.
Brazil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva, who championed the roadmap proposal, expressed disappointment but vowed to keep pushing:
“This fundamental call was left out of the final outcome, but the support shown from several countries and civil society will strengthen Brazil’s commitment.”
So, what does this mean for Australia? In the short term, the lack of a binding fossil fuel phase-out provides certainty for LNG exports, a cornerstone of WA’s economy.
But the global momentum toward renewables and low-carbon technologies is undeniable.
Australia’s 2035 emissions target of 62–70% below 2005 levels positions the nation to attract investment in hydrogen, critical minerals and clean tech, but it also
raises the stakes for delivery. Australia’s 2035 emissions target of 62–70% below 2005 levels positions the nation to attract investment in hydrogen, critical minerals
and clean tech, but it also raises the stakes for delivery.
COP30’s inclusion of trade measures and just transition mechanisms will influence exporters and ESG compliance frameworks, while Australia’s (ultimately unsuccessful)
bid to co-lead COP31 negotiations signals a growing leadership role in regional climate diplomacy, with Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen acting as COP President For the Purposes of Negotiations.
For Western Australia, the implications are profound. Our state’s natural resources, emerging hydrogen industry and critical minerals sector, place us at the heart of
global decarbonisation efforts. Our state’s natural resources, emerging hydrogen industry and critical minerals sector, place us at the heart of global decarbonisation
efforts. WA is already acting, with the Battery and Critical Mineral Strategy 2024–2030 and Renewable Hydrogen Strategy 2024–2030 driving investment in clean energy technologies and positioning WA as a global leader in the energy transition.
At Energy Club WA, we see COP30 as a call to action. The world is moving from promises to implementation, and WA has the expertise, resources and ambition to lead.
The world is moving from promises to implementation, and WA has the expertise, resources and ambition to lead. We continue our commitment to fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for members to thrive in a rapidly changing energy landscape. We continue our commitment to fostering collaboration,
sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for members to thrive in a rapidly changing energy landscape.
As we look ahead, the message from Belém is clear: the energy transition is accelerating, and those who innovate and adapt will shape the future. For WA and for
our members, that future looks promising.